Jagratha Samithi
🛡️ Jagratha Samithi
Statutory Committee for the Protection of Women and Children
Jagratha Samithi is a statutory mechanism functioning in Gram Panchayats across Kerala to ensure the safety, dignity and protection of women and children. The committee works to prevent violence, facilitate legal assistance, provide counselling services and create awareness on the rights of women and children.
Constituted under the provisions of the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and Government guidelines, the Jagratha Samithi serves as an important community-level support system for women and children facing violence, abuse or exploitation.
🎯 Objectives
- Ensure the safety and security of women and children.
- Prevent violence, abuse and exploitation.
- Receive and facilitate the resolution of complaints.
- Provide access to legal aid and counselling.
- Create awareness on the rights of women and children.
- Coordinate with Government departments and statutory agencies.
🏛️ Composition of the Panchayat Level Jagratha Samithi
| Position | Member |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | President, Gram Panchayat |
| Vice Chairperson | Vice President, Gram Panchayat |
| Convener | Representative of the Women & Child Development Department / ICDS Supervisor |
| Co-Convener | Secretary, Gram Panchayat |
| Member | Chairperson, Welfare Standing Committee |
| Member | Concerned Circle Inspector (CI) / Sub Inspector (SI) of Police |
| Member | Woman Advocate nominated by the District Legal Services Authority |
| Member | Woman Representative from the Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe Community |
| Member | Medical Officer |
| Member | Chairperson, Kudumbashree CDS |
| Member | Representative elected from among the Ward Level Jagratha Samithi Conveners |
⚖️ Major Functions & Responsibilities
👩⚖ Complaint Redressal
Receives complaints relating to domestic violence, dowry harassment, sexual harassment, child abuse and other forms of violence against women and children.
⚖ Legal Aid
Facilitates free legal assistance, counselling services and rehabilitation support for victims.
🚔 Referral Services
Refers serious cases to the Police, Courts, Kerala Women's Commission, Child Welfare Committee and other competent authorities.
📚 Awareness Programmes
Organises awareness programmes on women's rights, child protection, legal literacy, gender equality and prevention of violence.
🛡 Preventive Activities
Undertakes preventive measures against child marriage, human trafficking, substance abuse, child labour and exploitation.
🌟 Importance of the Jagratha Samithi
The Jagratha Samithi serves as an accessible community-level support mechanism for women and children who may hesitate to approach the Police or Courts directly. It provides a safe platform for reporting grievances, obtaining guidance and accessing legal, medical and social support services.
The Committee generally meets once every month to review complaints, monitor ongoing cases and recommend appropriate follow-up actions.
ℹ️ Public Services
All services provided by the Jagratha Samithi are completely FREE OF COST.
The Committee works in close coordination with Government Departments, Law Enforcement Agencies, Legal Institutions, Healthcare Providers and Community Organisations to ensure the protection of women and children.